By Sobhapati Samom
Disclosing this, Manipur Chemists’ and Druggists’ Association (MCDA) representatives on Monday appealed to one and all not to disturb the service of the drug suppliers in the interest of the people.
On February 10 last, a truck (NLD 2625) carrying 1,144 cartons of life saving drugs was reportedly hijacked on February 10. But when the truck was freed, only 768 cartons were said to be recovered. This resulted in a loss of around Rs 15 lakh, according to RK Ratankumar, a functionary of MCDA.
When contacted, a senior police official said a case has been registered and investigation is on. “However, no arrest has been made so far,” the officer said.
Following the incident, transporters carrying life saving drugs have resolved not to bring life saving drugs to Manipur until and unless the problem is addressed amicably, he informed.
According to MCDA sources, transportation of a kilogram of drugs from Mumbai to Guwahati costs just Rs 2.50 only. However, transporters need to spent Rs 6.50 to Rs 7 for the same for the Guwahati –Imphal route. In view of such transportation burden the major companies have been reportedly saying that they would stop drug supply to Manipur.
The recent incident is likely to hit drug supplies in the State. A similar incident had happened in May last year in which life-saving drugs worth around Rs 30 lakh were robbed off a truck on NH 39. The Manipur Chief Minister had then pledged in the Assembly that those involved in the robbery would be nabbed and penalised. But nothing has come out till date, MCDA officials lamented.
The State had experienced a similar episode in August 2007 following an extortion notice from insurgent outfits demanding some percentage from the profits the companies and transporters earn.
Showing solidarity on the issue of the latest hijacking incident, the pharmacies in Manipur affiliated to MCDA, decrying the incident, closed their stores and outlets on Monday.
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